Japanese tyre maker Bridgestone Corporation is developing a new technology for improving guayule-derived natural rubber productivity through a joint development project with Tokyo-based Kirin Holdings.
The project combines Kirin’s biotechnology with the guayule cultivation expertise of Bridgestone to deliver large-scale propagation of guayule plants from high-quality seeds. With this innovation, Bridgestone aims to increase the productivity of guayule farms and advance sustainable materials for tyres through the diversification of the world’s natural rubber supply, it said in a statement.
Bridgestone will field test the new technology on guayule seedlings are grown at its 287-acre Agro Operations Research Farm in Eloy, Arizona. The new technology may also be used to support the guayule breeding process to more rapidly increase the desired genotype for testing and production. Through these efforts and others, Bridgestone seeks to develop alternative and viable sources for tyre-grade natural rubber, reducing its long-term environmental impact and simultaneously furthering its business.
In addition to Eloy research farm, Bridgestone operates the Biorubber Process Research Centre in Mesa, where a team processes guayule-derived natural rubber for testing in tyre applications.